More than 70 West Yorkshire Police officers arrested since 2010

Laura Drysdale

More than 70 of the county’s police officers have been arrested in the last five years on suspicion of offences ranging from fraud to sexual assault.

West Yorkshire Police made 71 arrests of officers in its own force since January 2010, figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show.

The most common offence they were arrested in connection with was assault.

But other offences included fraud, theft, misconduct in a public office, perverting the course of justice and sexual offences.

The force also said there were a further seven arrest records still under investigation.

Officers were charged on 31 occasions.

Detective Chief Superintendent Clive Wain, of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Department, said: “West Yorkshire Police expects the very highest standards of its officers and staff, both on and off duty.

“Conduct which falls below this standard will be thoroughly investigated, and where appropriate arrests made.

“The numbers of officers arrested remain proportionately low, when compared to those working in Force even when accounting for annual fluctuations.

“We will continue to deal with any reports against officers robustly, taking appropriate action.”

When a police officer is arrested, the force considers whether they should be suspended or placed on restricted duty.

Serious criminal allegations usually result in the officer being required to attend a misconduct hearing and it is likely they will be dismissed.

If an officer resigns from the force prior to disciplinary action, the details are kept on police systems meaning the officer can not get employment with another force.

Top offences West Yorkshire Police officers were arrested in relation to (since 2010)